Sunflower
Who doesn’t love a good sunflower? These plants are popping right now, too, as they provide meals for pollinators now and prepare to feed hungry birds this autumn. This…this is summer!
Read MoreWhite-breasted Nuthatch
This female White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) was having a snack in the park, but she and others of her species may be visiting your yard for some sunflower seeds, suet and more this season. How many do you have at your home? I seem to be spotting a few more White-breasted Nuthatches than average so far this “winter”, though unfortunately I do not have any of their Red-breasted cousins around. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreInsects to Birds
It is starting to get darker earlier each day. The sunflowers are growing in height. The insects are peaking, and our bees will be slowing down shortly. For now the flowers are feeding the bugs, but soon enough they will be transitioning to feeding all of the birds pouring down to the south, with the later arriving seed eaters ready to feast on sunflowers right out of the garden. Is it going to be a large irruptive season for the winter finches? While it is too soon to tell for certain, some Red-breasted Nuthatches and Purple Finches seen out of place to the south in a few places late this...
Read MoreSunflower Sky
Every day, especially after all that water this week, these sunflowers are creeping closer to the sky. The cold front brought not only rain but more birds and butterflies on the wing south. Keep watching for new faces every day!
Read MoreSunflowers Emerging
It’s happening! Sunflowers are blooming and their wonderful shades are emerging across our summer landscape. These will serve as tremendous food sources for birds on the way south. While our aerial insectivores are flying to their winter quarters right now, the seed eaters will be moving in the coming weeks and months. For now the flowers are all for the insects…
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